trade embargo

An embargo is a legal prohibition by a government or group of governments that restricts the movement of goods to or from one or more countries. Embargoes can be broad, banning all commerce, or narrow, restricting only specific items like military goods or oil.1

Embargoes serve as a tool of economic warfare for various political objectives, such as demonstrating resolve, retaliating against another country's actions, or compelling a change in behavior. They can also be used to prevent countries from increasing their military power. Enforcement may involve detaining vessels or property. While effective embargoes require collective cooperation, they can disadvantage exporting countries by limiting market access. Critics sometimes argue that embargoes disproportionately harm the general population of the targeted country.1